Scanning electron microscopy of plant surfaces using low temperature dehydration prior to critical point drying

Abstract

Low temperature dehydration prior to critical point drying of the delicate leaves of Phaseolus coccineus L. and the tougher waxy leaves of Pisum sativum L. gave better preservation of their surfaces than ambient temperature dehydration when examined in a SEM. Preservation of surface structures was best when the final stages of dehydration by ethanol were at 240 K (-33°C) or below. Low temperature dehydration failed to reduce the collapse of epidermal cells on the petals of Pelargonium zonal hybrid.